Four wins and the title is ours, says Ferguson after Sunderland win

Sir Alex Ferguson has set a four-win target to clinch his 13th Premier League championship as manager of Manchester United after their 1-0 success at Sunderland.

Their hosts reacted to the defeat that pushed them closer to the relegation zone by sacking manager Martin O'Neill. But at the other end of the table United are now within a few weeks of clinching the title.

'We have to win four games now, I think, but it's important to focus on our next league match, which is Manchester City at home,' said Sir Alex. 'It was important to win today because we go into the City game next Monday with a 15-point lead.'

On the way: Sir Alex Ferguson talks to Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill, who was sacked after the game

In fact, a win over City would leave Ferguson's men, who are on 77 points, needing only one more win and a draw to secure the title as their rivals - who have 62 points - would be unable to overhaul an 84-point tally.

United welcome City to Old Trafford for what could be a memorable few days for Sir Alex.

Next Saturday he will be at Aintree hoping his horse, Harry the Viking, can win the Grand National before his side take on City two days later with the title almost within their grasp.

Speaking after the victory, United's top scorer Robin van Persie said: 'We are a team full of winners. Everyone knows what he has to do and the result was never in doubt, even though it was only 1-0. I was always confident we'd win it.'

Claiming it: Robin Van Persie's shot deflects in off Titus Bramble

Van Persie was adamant he should have been credited with the match-winning strike, which went down as a Titus Bramble own goal.

'Of course, it was my goal,' said the Dutchman, whose 27th-minute shot took a double deflection off Phil Bardsley and Bramble.

'There is no question about that.'

The result stretched Sunderland's winless run to eight games, which was enough for owner Ellis Short to end O'Neill's stay at 483 days after taking over in December 2011.

Robbie Savage added: 'Results have been awful, yes, but to sack O'Neill now is shocking, losing 1-0 to United, is that the tipping point? He could have saved them.'

Ahead of the game, O'Neill seemed to have little thoughts that the sack was so close.

Poor results: Sunderland have suffered a torrid run of form

'Am I still as determined and enthused about the game? I don't think I analyse this every day but you have to have enthusiasm for the game,' he said.

A club statement said: 'Sunderland AFC has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O'Neill this evening. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future. An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor.'